Sweden's Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) has awarded Saab a SEK145 million (USD16 million) contract to advance feasibility studies and prototyping in support of the Torpedo 62 heavyweight torpedo life-extension programme.
Announced on 16 December, the contract funds the development subsystem demonstrators to both de-risk and cost key aspects of the life extension, according to FMV. Work will run to the end of 2023, with activity taking place in Linköping and Motala.
Entering service with the Royal Swedish Navy's (RSwN's) submarine force in 2001, Torpedo 62 is a wire-guided heavyweight weapon designed for use against both submarine and surface targets. Using a bi-propellant propulsion system (a combination of 85% HTP and 15% kerosene) to power a seven-cylinder piston engine driving a pumpjet propulsor, Torpedo 62 can trade off speed against range up to a maximum of about 50 kt and 50,000 m respectively.
FMV and Saab last year disclosed plans to extend the operational life of Torpedo 62 out to the mid-2040s. An initial four-year contract, valued at SEK485 million (USD53.5 million), was placed in July 2020. This covers a baseline review, identification of candidate modifications and enhancements, and preparations for future stages of the life-extension programme.
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